Big flavor, simple cooking, and food that shows up right whether it’s game day, a get-together, or just an excuse to fire up the grill. Nothing complicated, nothing fussy, just a solid recipe that works and keeps people coming back for another bite.
Grilled Chipotle Lime Chicken Thighs
Ingredients
- 6 Bone-in Skin-on Chicken Thighs
The Rub
- 1 tbsp kosher salt
- 1 tbsp coarse black pepper
- 2 tsp granulated garlic
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp ground mustard
- ½ tsp dried oregano optional
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper optional
Chipotle-Honey Glaze
- 2 chipotle peppers in adobo
- 1 tbsp adobo sauce
- ¼ cup honey
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 clove garlic minced
- ½ tsp ground cumin
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ¼ tsp kosher salt
- 1 tbsp water
Lime-Roasted Garlic Crema
- ½ cup Mexican crema or sour cream + splash of milk
- 1 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 1 tsp lime zest
- 1 small clove roasted garlic mashed
- Pinch of kosher salt
- Water or milk to thin
Instructions
- Season chicken heavily with rub.
Chipotle-Honey Glaze
- Blend all ingredients until smooth.
- Simmer in a saucepan over low heat 5–7 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Strain for smoothness, cool slightly, and transfer to a squeeze bottle.
Lime-Roasted Garlic Crema
- Roast garlic wrapped in foil with oil at 375°F for 20–25 mins until soft.
- Whisk all ingredients in a bowl until smooth.
- Adjust with a splash of liquid for drizzle consistency. Chill before using.
Plate & Finish
- Place each grilled thigh on a plate or board.
- Drizzle chipotle-honey glaze in clean strokes from a squeeze bottle.
- Follow with lines of lime-roasted garlic crema crossed, parallel, or scattered.
- Serve hot, no garnish needed.
